the tour

Never in September...

One of the largest open studio events in the Carolinas...

More than 50 artists in 30+ fine art and fine craft studios participate each year in the Open Studio Tour of Henderson County. The free event is a self-guided and self-driving tour that takes visitors into the gorgeous nooks and crannies of our Western North Carolina mountains to meet our community's talented artists. View the 2017 Studio Map here.

The annual event, sponsored by the Art League of Henderson County, showcases the work of local artists in painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, fiber and metal arts, woodworking, and glass. The Open Studio Tour is an opportunity for artists and craftsmen to bring their work to a new audience of art enthusiasts eager to interact with the creators. Artists retain 100% of proceeds from sales made during the event. All Henderson County artists are invited to participate in the Open Studio Tour. Artists without a working studio or are in an accessibility-challenged location are welcome to join several host studios with space for guests.

The Open Studio Tour of Henderson County raises public awareness of the practicing and accomplished artists in the community. In addition to enhancing the cultural image of Henderson County, the Tour boosts the local economy through the arts - more than 30% of attendees, many who return year after year, visit from outside the county. Money is also raised by a Preview Party and art raffle to benefit the Backpack Program in Henderson County the Thursday before the Open Studio Tour weekend as part of Downtown Hendersonville's free concert series on Main Street, Rhythm & Brews.